Ford Racing reveals Mustang Boss 302S race car

Ford Racing has introduced its latest race car at the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, FL, the Boss 302S. The 302S is a direct replacement for the FR500 used in the Mustang Challenge series. It is intended to serve duty for the serious racer, as well as race series such as the SCCA's World Challenge and NASA's American Iron.

The Boss 302S slides in between the Laguna Seca edition Boss 302 and the Boss 302R and features a stock transmission, clutch, and flywheel. Power is the standard 440 horsepower 302, but that's where the "stock" part ends. Hardcore goodies like Brembo race brakes, fully adjustable suspension, and an adjustable carbon fiber wing add to the good times. Price? $79,000, with a mere 50 being made available.

Press Release

DEARBORN, Mich., - December 9, 2010 – It has been 'The Year of the Boss.' This past year has seen the return of the Mustang BOSS 302R to track at Daytona and the unveiling of the 2012 BOSS 302 production Mustang, and now Ford Racing announces the latest addition to its line of turn-key ready to race Mustangs – the BOSS 302S.

Building on the successful race history of the BOSS302, Ford Racing is providing Mustang enthusiasts an affordable way to road race with the introduction of the Mustang BOSS 302S. The limited production BOSS 302S will be the third competition car in Ford Motor Company's history to be built at a Ford production facility and made available for racers to purchase through authorized Ford Racing dealers. The Mustang FR500S was the first race car built on a modern Ford production line followed by the NHRA legal FR500CJ, a.k.a. 'Cobra Jet.'

"Ford Racing is excited to add an additional turn-key ready to race car to our stable, which includes the highly successful FR500C, FR500S, BOSS 302R and Cobra Jet," said Mark Wilson, Engineering Manager Ford Racing. "The enthusiasts who purchase the BOSS 302S will be competitive in both the World Challenge GTS and the NASA American Iron Series. We look forward to adding their names to the BOSS 302's racing history."

The 440-hp Ford Mustang BOSS 302S was developed by Ford Racing engineers, and will be built at Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, the home of the Mustang. It is based on the street legal 2012 Mustang BOSS 302. The Mustang BOSS 302S is powered by a Boss 5.0-liter 4-valve Ti-VCT V-8 engine and includes a 6-speed transmission sourced directly from the BOSS 302 parts bin. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a T2 Torsen differential and 3.73 gears. The BOSS 302S suspension features two-way adjustable coil-over dampers and Ford Racing anti-roll bars in both the front and rear.

The BOSS 302S uni-body starts as a Mustang body-in-white, to reduce weight, the factory seam sealer, sound deadener and interior panels are deleted prior to body build. In addition to body reinforcement, a 6 point FIA legal roll cage is installed for driver safety and chassis rigidity. The interior features a RECARO HANS Pro-Racer lightweight race seat, 6-point safety belt, quick release steering wheel and AIM data acquisition system with GPS.

BOSS 302S aerodynamic updates include a unique fiberglass heat extracting hood, adjustable front splitter and adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. A "retro" styled BOSS 302 graphics package is included with each car and mimics the graphics from the original 1969 BOSS 302 program.

Production is scheduled the second quarter of 2011 and orders are now being taken at Ford dealers that participate in the Ford Racing Performance Parts program by ordering part number FR500-B302S (performance white paint) or M-FR500-B302SO (orange paint). MSRP for the BOSS 302S is $79,000.00.

For more information on Ford Racing Performance Parts, please visit: www.fordracingparts.com

Video: Jay Leno gets a close up of Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition

We've said it before, and we'll say it again - Jay Leno is a *ahem* lucky man. He not only owns one of the greatest car collections in the world, but he also gets access to things that most people never could. His status as not only a celebrity, but as a certified car nut, get him places most of us can only dream of.

Leno was on hand at the unveiling of the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 and the Laguna Seca Edition. Sporting more features and unique color and graphics schemes, the Laguna is a special beast. Leno caught up Tom Barnes, the vehicle engineering manager for the Mustang, and got to talk to him about the car for the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - The Boss is Back!

Years have passed as rumors of a revived Boss 302 version of the Ford Mustang have swirled around the Internet. The much beloved moniker just wouldn't go away, and with the return of the 5.0 liter displacement engine in the 2011 model year, it seemed almost inevitable that Ford was up to something.

And it turns out that they were. The Boss 302 name means raw, race inspired performance. And the new car doesn't disappoint. It features an upgraded clutch, short throw shifter, adjustable suspension, better brakes, and an upgraded 5.0 that puts out 440 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Ford claims that the Boss will pull 1.0 g's on the skidpad, and lap a road course 2 seconds faster than the GT.

The outside mimics that classic Boss paint scheme in a modern way. Buyers can choose a black or white roof panel, and the car features a C-stripe, closed up fog lamp openings, and a very aggressive front and rear splitter for better downforce. Color choices include Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.

On the inside, removal of sound deadening means that the driver will be able to hear the sweet sound of the high revving 5.0. A dark metallic finish adorns the instrument panel, gauge cluster, and door panel trim. An optional package provides Recaro seats.

Ford is also planning to release a limited number of Laguna Seca editions (see it in the second video below) that will offer increased stiffness along with a stronger chassis and an aero package.